Vinyl windows are designed to be low maintenance. They rarely need to be cleaned on the inside or outside. For those in Virginia, heavy rainstorm is often enough to wash dirt and debris from the outside, but sometimes it is impractical to wait for Mother Nature to help out with cleaning chores. On the inside, keeping children with grimy, sticky fingers away from the windowsill may be a challenge at times. When it is time to wash vinyl windows in Virginia, do it carefully and follow some of these basic tips.

Method

When the interior windows need a good cleaning, the best method is with soap and water. Put a squirt of mild liquid detergent into a pail. Add a stream of lukewarm water to it until the bucket is about half full of sudsy water. Dip a sponge into the water and gently wring out the excess. Wash each window, using a gently bristled brush if necessary for heavy soiling. Use a clean, soft cloth dunked in clean water to rinse the windows. Rinse and wring the cloth repeatedly until the windows are free of any soap and streaks.

The easiest way to clean the exterior vinyl windows is to use a garden hose. Use a gentle stream of water with little pressure. Do not use a pressure washer. This could loosen the window caulking. If a hose is not available, the soap and water method is an alternative.

Stains

For stains on the frame or vinyl windows themselves, use a commercial spray-bottle vinyl cleaner or household cleaner appropriate for the surface. Clean the stained area with a soft bristled bush or gentle plastic-coated sponge. This works well to remove grease and motor oil, makeup, ink, soot and heavy dirt. For paint and cold candle wax, use a plastic spatula to scrape it free. Use a solution of two parts water to three parts vinegar for mold and mildew. Always rinse the area with clear, cool water after all stains are removed.

Dust

In extremely dry, dusty environments, the windowsill beneath and frame above vinyl windows in Virginia may need routine maintenance. Use a vacuum cleaner with a gentle plastic brush attachment to remove coal dust, sand and fine soil from the window frame and sill. A dry, fine, long-bristled nylon brush is also effective. Do not get it wet; coal dust and soil will smear. Sand grit will scratch the surface.

Drying

Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to dry the vinyl windows. Avoid using paper towels, napkins, newspapers or other paper products. They will scratch the surface and likely leave streaks and fibers.